Zara will occupy a 1,100sq ft stateof-the-art store which will trade onto the Civic Plaza and onto the upper mall beside M&S.

The Next store will measure 1,300sq ft, with an additonal 500sq m of storage space, and will be located at the main intersection of the three malls at the Civic Plaza level of the scheme. The store will be one of the first in Ireland to benefit from the new Next fit-out design and will offer womenswear, menswear, children's wear and homeware.

Commenting on the move, Mike Shearwood, head of Zara UK and Ireland said: "Having had great success with our Dublin, Cork and Newbridge stores we were keen to find a location in the midlands. It [Zara] will fit perfectly with the long list of international, UK and Irish fashion retailers that have chosen to locate in this great new town centre."

According to Marcus Wren, director with Bannon Commercial, the centre is 91% pre let but final opportunites still remain for ladies' shoes, ladies' fashion, a hair and beauty salon, newsagents and children's toys.

Athlone Towncentre is expected to open its doors to the public later this year on 18 October.